Uber Launches Uber Commute in Singapore, the Company’s Version of GrabHitch

Attention Singaporeans, there’s going to be a new way to commute to work from tomorrow (Mar 15) onwards. Introducing Uber Commute, a new carpooling service that’s pretty similar to GrabHitch. And for those of you looking to save a buck or two, it promises to be up to 51% cheaper than UberX. Pretty swell, eh?

There are a few differences from GrabHitch though. Firstly, Uber Commute rides are limited to between 5am and 10pm on weekdays. Drivers are also not allowed to pick up multiple passengers, so you can rule out the idea of profit here. This is so that Uber’s new service meets Singapore’s carpooling regulations under the Road Traffic Act.

Drivers are also limited to two trips per day. However, Uber Commute drivers collect the entire fare paid, which is approximately half the price of an UberX ride. Alternatively, UberX drivers pay about 20% of their fare to Uber. According to Warren Tseng, general manager for Uber in Singapore and Malaysia, Uber Commute is not about profit.

Instead, the new service is meant to propel Singapore forward as a “car-lite” city.

Using it is pretty simple. All you’ve got to do is select Commute in the Uber app, input your “Home” and “Work” address, select your preferred timing and date of pick-up, then you can plan your trip up to a week in advance or within an hour. Definitely a lot more convenient than a broken down MRT, we say.

If you’d like to try out the service, now’s the best time. From Mar 15 to 30, riders will enjoy 30% off their Uber Commute rides, which will automatically be discounted.